Asylum seekers look set to be housed in the Maldon district, a report to councillors has revealed.

And already a hotel group which specialises in accommodating refugees has purchased a property in the district which is being converted to accommodate 40 of them.

Housing services team leader Sandy Philip says in the report to the council's community and leisure services committee meeting tomorrow that due to the numbers now seeking asylum, particularly from Eastern Europe, the Home Office requires East Anglia to provide accommodation.

"The Home Secretary expects all local authorities to play their part, irrespective of pressures of housing within their districts.

"It is anticipated local authorities will be expected to take one refugee for every 200 head of population. If this situation were to be the case, it is expected Maldon District would be required to accommodate 280."

The report says refugees in this area are being dealt with by the Refugee Unit of Essex Social Services, which is entering into contracts with various housing providers.

The majority of refugees in Essex are being housed in a number of large hotels in the Southend and Tendring areas.

He said on Friday: "I don't want to give the impression that the district will be overrun by hoards of asylum seekers because that is not the case."

Mr Philip said the costs of funding the accommodation would be borne by the Home Office and not the local authority.

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